Product recall: Asda recalls ingredient that could pose health risk to consumers - 'stop using it'

Product recall: Asda recalls ingredient that could pose health risk to consumers - 'stop using it'

Britons going out to dining establishments should check food hygiene ratings first

Food Standards Agency
Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 18/05/2024

- 11:33

Updated: 18/05/2024

- 11:47

Asda customers have been urged to check their cupboards for the product

Asda is the latest supermarket to recall a product. Customers have been told not to consume it and instead, return it to store.

Asda said: "Wanis are recalling Tropical Sun Semolina Coarse 1.5Kg because it contains wheat (gluten) which is not mentioned on the label.


"The affected best before end dates are: May 2025, June 2025, July 2025, September 2025, October 2025, November 2025, December 2025, January 2026, March 2026, and April 2026.

"This means these codes are a possible health risk for anyone with coeliac disease, and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten."

Tropical Sun Semolina Coarse 1.5Kg

Best before: May 2025, June 2025, July 2025, September 2025, October 2025, November 2025, December 2025, January 2026, March 2026, and April 2026

\u200bTropical Sun Semolina Coarse 1.5kg

Several date codes of Tropical Sun Semolina Coarse 1.5kg have been recalled

Asda

Asda added: "If you have purchased any of the Best Before End dates listed above, please bring them back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt."

The supermarket apologised for any inconvenience caused and encouraged shoppers to contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 010 or tropicalsunfoods.com.

Allergy UK said: "Symptoms of IgE mediated wheat allergy occur within two minutes or up to two hours after ingestion and include rhinitis, asthma, hives (urticaria), swelling (angio-oedema) or anaphylaxis."

As for those with coeliac disease, eating foods that contain gluten can trigger a range of gut symptoms. According to the NHS, diarrhoea, which may smell particularly unpleasant, stomach aches, bloating and farting (flatulence), indigestion and constipation.

The Tropical Sun Semolina Coarse currently retails at Asda for £3. Its product description reads: "Semolina is popular right across the globe in regions including Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.

"Delivering a fine, smooth texture that can be used to prepare sweet or savoury dishes, it offers a wonderfully convenient way to tropicalise your food.

"Perfect for making dumplings to go with soups or stews, it also works well as a replacement for rice or potatoes and in desserts such as semolina pudding."

While food recalls are not very common, they must be taken seriously. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) explained why they occur.

The FSA said: "If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).

"The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

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Asda

Britons have been encouraged to check their cupboards

GETTY IMAGES

"In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers."

In other Asda news, the supermarket recently pulled a household device from shelves as it could catch on fire.

Asda told customers: "Stop using the unit and return it to your nearest Asda store for a full refund or exchange. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.

"If you would like any further information, please contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101."

In other supermarket news, Aldi has brought back a beloved £1 snack and customers are overjoyed - but they've got to act fast.

The tasty garlic bread-flavoured nibble has returned to Aldi as a Specialbuy. These are the "unique and exciting products that you find at Aldi".

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